New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Keep your kids away from these Santas !

Bar-goers dressed in Christmas-themed costumes descended upon hundreds of cities worldwide Saturday for the annual bar crawl known as Santacon .

In New York , thousands took to the streets dressed as elves , Santas and holiday-themed characters , as they have since 1997 . In recent years , the debauchery of some of its participants has become too much -- even for some who take part in it .

`` It was just terrible , they were throwing up in the streets . It was really just disgusting . I just put a red suit on and have a good time , '' Sandy Bachom , who participated in the event last year , told CNN afilliate WABC .

`` I think New Yorkers generally are extremely tolerant of visitors , but when they come in such droves , and then combine that with public intoxication , it has a negative impact in our neighborhoods , '' state Sen. Brad Hoylman said to WABC .

Despite the controversy , city officials are supporting the event .

`` It 's what makes New York New York , '' Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said at a press conference Friday . `` There has been some rowdy activity by a small handful of people . '' However , NYPD officers were handing out fliers stressing that they would stop revelers who publicly consume alcohol .

Santacon NYC is vowing to clean up its act .

`` Santacon has had growing pains , '' the event 's organizers said in a press release on the NYC SantaCcon website . `` With a little elbow-grease from the elves , a little patience from the community , and just a pinch of holiday magic , Santacon can spread joy . ''

Santacon.info , a website that attempts to keep up with SantaCons wherever they are -- and assist organizers in publicizing them -- maintains a list that on Saturday showed 146 locations where events will be taking place this weekend and next , from Helena , Montana , to Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam .

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NYC Santacon hits the streets of the Big Apple on Saturday

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The debauchery of the event in recent years has soured some

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Police commissioner downplays the complaints , blaming only a `` handful '' of revelers

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The annual event is one of hundreds that take place in cities all over the world